As we gear up for the Easter long weekend (can you believe it’s here already?), we thought we'd take a good hard look at what makes the Easter Bunny tick… carrots!

 If they can keep an age-old rabbit hopping around the world in spite of all that chocolate, they must be good, right?

Here are some of the health benefits of carrots, the world's second most popular vegetable:

Improved Vision

As kids we're all told how great carrots are for the eyes and it turns out it's true. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver and to rhodopsin (a purple pigment necessary for night vision) in the retina.

Beta-carotene has also been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and senile cataracts by 40 per cent!

Reduced risk of cancer

Mice fed carrots have demonstrated a 33 per cent lower risk of cancer than their non-carrot-eating counterparts. Scientists believe this is because of a natural pesticide produced by carrots that protects its roots from fungal disease and may have anticancer properties.

Anti-aging

Because carrots are rich in beta-carotene they're believed to help repair cell damage help slow down the aging of cells. Carrot infused oil is a great way to apply the age-defying benefits of carrots directly to your skin for relief from dry and mature skin conditions such as wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.

Antiseptic

Herbalists use shredded raw or boiled and mashed carrots to help prevention infection on open wounds.

Prevent Heart Disease

The regular consumption of carrots is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels as the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.

Detoxification

Vitamin A, found densely in carrots, reduces the amount of bile and fat stored in the liver and effectively flushes toxins from the body. Carrot seed oil can be used in vapour therapy to give the liver and digestive system a boost, and may also assist with the treatment or respiratory, skin and muscle conditions as well as stress and fatigue.

Healthy Teeth and Gums Crunchy carrots clean your teeth and mouth by scraping off plaque and food particles as you chew.  Carrots stimulate gums and trigger saliva, which balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria.  The minerals in carrots also help prevent tooth damage.

And THAT is how the Easter Bunny manages to stay in good enough shape to deliver all those choccie eggs!

Happy Easter everyone.